Obama Calls For Americans To Honor Nelson Mandela On His Birthday

Washington (CNN) — President Barack Obama called Sunday for Americans to perform community service in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday.

“On behalf of the United States, I wish Nelson Mandela a very happy 92nd birthday,” Obama said in White House statement, referring to the former South African president who spent 27 years in prison before leading his country from white-minority rule to all-race democratic elections.

“We are grateful to continue to be blessed with his extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit. And we strive to build upon his example of tolerance, compassion and reconciliation.,” Obama said of Mandela, who is known around the world by his clan name, “Madiba.”